Kampala's sewage crisis demands immediate solution

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OPINION

By Jennifer Achiro

Kampala's vibrant energy as a growing capital contrasts sharply with the raw sewage flowing through its streets. This crisis threatens public health, environmental sustainability, and the city's economic aspirations. With Kampala's population exceeding 1.8 million and growing at 3.8% annually, the sanitation infrastructure has failed to keep pace, creating a situation that demands immediate intervention.

The problem manifests most severely in informal settlements like Bwaise and Kinawataka, where inadequate or non-existent sewage systems force residents to contend with open sewers and frequent flooding. The National Water and Sewerage Corporation reports that only 10% of Kampala is connected to the sewer network, leaving most households dependent on septic tanks and pit latrines that often overflow. This situation is exacerbated by poor waste management practices, where solid waste clogs drainage channels and intensifies sewage backups during rainy seasons.

The health consequences are severe and documented. The Ministry of Health's 2023 report confirmed hundreds of cholera cases directly linked to poor sanitation, while typhoid and dysentery remain endemic in flood-prone areas. Environmentally, sewage runoff continues to pollute Nakivubo Channel and Lake Victoria, threatening aquatic life and water quality for millions.

While the Kampala Capital City Authority has initiated some interventions, including the Lubigi and Bugolobi sewage treatment plants, these efforts remain insufficient. The solution requires a multi-faceted approach beginning with substantial investment in modern sewage infrastructure, particularly expanding treatment capacity and extending sewer lines to underserved communities. Public awareness campaigns must promote proper waste disposal, while stricter enforcement of environmental regulations is needed to protect natural drainage systems.

The recently launched Kampala Sanitation Program, supported by the World Bank, offers a promising framework but requires accelerated implementation. Public-private partnerships could also help bridge the funding gap, bringing innovation and efficiency to sanitation management.

Ultimately, this crisis transcends infrastructure challenges - it is a matter of human dignity and urban equity. As Kampala strives to become a modern African capital, addressing the sewage problem must become an urgent priority for government, residents, and private sector actors alike. The time for half-measures is over; we need decisive action to ensure a healthy, sustainable city for all residents.

The writer is an MBA Student at Makerere University Business School